One more time, with feeling: I like making baby blankets. I do it a lot, as you may have noticed, dear reader.
Q: What do I need to make this project?
A: To make this blanket, you will need:
Yarn - you can use any yarn for this pattern, see notes below on yarn choice and amount.
To meet the gauge and use the size reference chart, choose a weight 4 yarn.
In the example shown, I used Loops & Threads Eco-brights in peach, yellow, aqua, green, and cobalt blue (1 skein of each)
Size H (5mm) crochet hook - use hook size needed to meet the gauge OR whatever size is appropriate for the yarn you've chosen (see notes below on adjusting size).
Tapestry needle
Snips
Q: How long does it take to make?
A: The blanket shown took me 19 hours total to complete (finished size 40 in x 60 in). Project size will be the biggest factor with respect to time. That said, this pattern is very easy to memorize and work on without using too much brain power once you get it down. Personally, I watched Yanxi Palace with subtitles while making this blanket (do recommend for drama fans).
Q: How difficult is this pattern?
A: Not at all! This is a great beginner project as you only need to know how to chain, double crochet, and double crochet 2 together (decrease). Double crochet 2 together isn't much more difficult than a plain double crochet - check out the video for a step-by-step of this stitch.
Q: How big a blanket will the pattern make?
A: Up to you! See the note below on blanket sizes with starting chains (the table assumes you are meeting the given gauge).
Tips, Notes, & Learnings
(Yarn & Hook)
You can use any yarn at all to make this project. To meet the gauge given (and use the table for sizes below), I suggest using a weight 4 yarn in your favorite fiber. Remember to consider how often you will need to wash the blanket when choosing a fiber. Also consider the physical weight of the final project (multiply the weight of one ball by the number of balls you think you'll need to estimate the weight).
Hook-wise, choose the hook size that matches your yarn. For a weight 4 yarn, this will likely be an H (5 mm) or G (4 mm) hook. Use whatever size you need to meet the gauge if you want to follow the table below. Otherwise, be sure to work up a swatch first to figure out how long to make the starting chain.
(Sizes)
Using the gauge given in the pattern below (12 sts = 4 in), this table makes a great quick reference to get exactly the size blanket you want!
(Adding some texture)
To easily add some texture to the blanket, work every other row (right side only) in the back or front loops only.
You can also try working every other row (right side only), with a substitution of (1 dc, 1 bobble or popcorn, 1 dc) for the standard 3 dc between the increases and decreases.
These small changes can add some zest to your project without changing the flow or difficulty of the pattern.
(Non-blanket Applications)
Soft waves make for excellent blankets because the pattern is so easy and repetitive. This also means it works great for other applications too! Some ideas:
Scarf
Pillow covers
Wall hanging (e.g. think cotton in shades of blue and tan- very beachy vibes)
Soft Waves Blanket Pattern
Abbreviations (US Terms)
ch - chain
dc - double crochet
dc2tog - double crochet 2 together (decrease)
st - stitch
Gauge
In pattern - 12 sts = 4 inches (peak to peak)
6 rows = 3.5 inches
Pattern
Ch a multiple of 12 stitches, then ch 2 more (turning chain) - see the note above on sizing for quick reference on starting ch size.
R1: Starting from 3rd ch from hook, *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in each of next 3 st, 2 dc2tog over next 4 st, 1 dc in each of next 3 st, 2 dc in next st. Repeat from * to end of row, ch 2, turn.
R2: *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in each of next 3 st, 2 dc2tog over next 4 st, 1 dc in each of next 3 st, 2 dc in next st. Repeat from * to end of row, ch 2, turn.
Repeat R2 until you reach the desired length, switching colors as you like to make stripes, if desired.
The blanket in the photos changes colors after every 13th row (end of the skein).
Short & Sweet Pattern
Same pattern but easier to remember:
Increase in 1st st, (3 plain, 2 decrease, 3 plain, 2 increase) to end of row - last repeat will only have 1 increase in the last st.
Check out the video below for a detailed look at this pattern!
That's all, friends!
I hope you enjoy this week's pattern and share photos of your creations here in the comments and on Instagram and Ravelry!
Love this, in a different variety of rainbow. Are there any easy ripple patterns for knitting a baby blanket? I find knitting much easier than crochet, maybe because I learned it first? I have searched for knit blanket patterns but haven't found any easy ones. Thanks!